Other parts of the economy can only envy the boom manufacturing is enjoying, admittedly after a nasty recession. the 12-month growth rate for manufacturing in January confirmed the sector's bounceback after December weather effects. Monthly growth was 1%. Some parts of manufacturing are enjoying extraordinary annual growth rates - of as much as 36%.

Overall industrial production rose by 0.5% in January, for a 4.4% 12-month rise. January's index level was 1.1% above the fourth quarter average, suggesting it will make a strong contribution to first quarter GDP growth. More here.

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